Have a picnic in lovely Richmond Park, the largest royal park in London, where children can go in search of squirrels or one of the more than 600 deer that call this park home. You can also enjoy the walking paths and riverside views of Chiswick Pier, or take the kids on a stroll through nearby Old Chiswick Village.
Kite Art Studios offers creative art classes for kids of all ages, from pottery to painting to sculpture. There are single workshops, as well as courses for those who will be in the area for longer. Mothers will particularly enjoy the mother and toddler classes, where they can learn art while their toddlers are free to play with art supplies and make as much of a mess as they want.
The Music House for Children in Shepard's Bush has a range of music and movement classed for young children. Classes cost about 7 pounds and most welcome drop-ins. Classes for toddlers include creative dance classes in which toddlers learn to move to and enjoy music, from world to rock 'n roll to folk. But the enjoyment isn't limited to kids---parents can join in as well.
If it's good old-fashioned play your child seeks, take him to Bramley's Big Adventure on Bromley Road. Bramleys Big Adventure is a large indoor playground with slides, swings, climbs, giant balls and a special area for children under 5 years old.
A visit to the Museum of Natural History in southwest London is a must on any parent's list. Adults will appreciate the elaborate architecture, while kids will be enthralled by the dinosaur exhibit, which includes a large skeleton of a Diplodocus affectionately referred to as "Dippy" and an animatronic T-rex.
Pay a visit to the Toy Department of the world famous Harrod's department store in tony Kensington. Harrod's features the finest in toys, including many exclusives. Customization is also available for certain toys. For example, you can choose the exact leather, color, and hair type of your rocking horse. And the "Just Like Me" program allows your toddler to create a doll that looks like her, from skin tone to hair and eye color.
